Celtic finalizes contracts for Maloney and Fotheringham

Celtic have resolved a key piece of off-season business by securing the futures of assistant manager Shaun Maloney and first-team coach Mark Fotheringham, who have signed new contracts after protracted negotiations. The confirmation comes as the club's first-team players reported back for preseason training on Friday, June 26.

Manager Martin O'Neill, who had publicly stressed the importance of retaining his backroom staff, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome. In an interview, the 74-year-old said maintaining continuity was important after the coaching team contributed to last season's league and Scottish Cup double triumph. He acknowledged the departure of Gavin Strachan, who has left to join West Bromwich Albion, describing him as a very important cog in proceedings.

However, the club faces immediate challenges in squad composition. Striker Kelechi Iheanacho and midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were absent from the first day of preseason after their contracts expired. Celtic have allowed an option to extend Iheanacho's deal to pass, leaving the 29-year-old forward open to offers from other clubs, with reported interest from Portugal and Turkey. O'Neill is said to...